TOP-EIGHT TARGET - Reading Town are confident of making even further progress under manager Colin Millard this season

READING TOWN are setting their sights high, with promotion to the Ryman League a definite target for the future.

Colin Millard's Town embark on the new Seagrave Haulague League campaign at Chipstead tomorrow with confidence running high after the progress they made under their highly-rated young manager last season.

In total, 14 new players have arrived at Scours Lane during the close season, including nine from Hellenic Premier Division outfit Henley Town.

However, Millard takes great pride in the fact that none of last season's squad have left the club.

He said: "We look to breed loyalty at the club and I'm delighted that everyone from last season can see what we are trying to achieve here and wants to continue the good work we started here last season."

He continued: "I look for players and staff who want to help me improve Reading Town.

"I do not want to be involved with people who are just in it for themselves. At this club all players and staff have one aim - improvement and eventual promotion to the Ryman League."

The pre-season programme has seen Town lose just one game, away to a strong Loughborough Dynamos side.

They gained wins against Hellenic League champions North Leigh and Ryman Leaguers Flackwell Heath as well as gaining a creditable draw against Ryman Division 1 South outfit Croydon Athletic.

Among the new signings are highly-rated trio Phill Humphries, Ollie Maskell and Paul Lawrence, all of whom arrived from Henley.

Millard said: "Of the target signings we drew up at the end of last season, we have managed to attract all of them with the exception of just two. So credit must go to all my staff on their excellent work so far this season."

He continued: "Realistically I will be happy with a top-eight finish - we should have enough depth in our squad to achieve that target.

"If we stay lucky with injuries and suspensions we could do even better."

Last season Withdean 2000 put together an amazing run at the end of last season to overhaul AFC Wallingford and AFC Wimbledon to take the championship.

But Millard sees Wimbledon as the team to catch this time.

He said: "I believe Wimbledon will win the league comfortably. They have the money to purchase any player they want at this level.

"Wallingford shouldn't be too far behind, but they do not have the strength in depth to compete with Wimbledon."